karate-chop

[ kuh-rah-tee-chop ]

/ kəˈrɑ tiˌtʃɒp /

Save This Word!

noun

a sharp blow used in karate, usually delivered by a slanting stroke with the side of the hand.

verb (used with object), ka·ra·te-chopped, ka·ra·te-chop·ping.

to strike with a karate-chop.

QUIZ

ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ

There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? Let's find out!

Question 1 of 7

True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

true

false

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of karate-chop

First recorded in 1965–70

How to use karate-chop in a sentence

I think everybody would like to be handsome and good at karate.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS|Marlow Stern|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
He confesses that if time permits, he wants to see the Ralph Macchio panel on the 30th anniversary of Karate Kid.
The Holy Grail of Comic Books Hid in Plain Site at New York Comic Con|Sujay Kumar|October 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Asked if he knew the names of the newborn quadruplets, Merritt recalled two: gi—a karate outfit—and po—a chamber pot.
Well, La Ti Da: Stephin Merritt’s Winning Little Words of Scrabble|David Bukszpan|October 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He holds up his right hand—“A short chop right above the bridge of the nose”—and gives up a laugh.
The Stacks: The Eyes of Winter: Paul Newman at 70|Peter Richmond|October 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST

He karate-chops a final stray assassin, then they exchange vows.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Got Married and We’re Worried About Jennifer Aniston|Kevin Fallon, Tim Teeman|August 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They took their chop or steak at their inn or hotel, or visited the tripe houses.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell
"No sabby lead chop till ploddem withee dipper," explained the Chinaman, imperturbably.
Dope|Sax Rohmer
Not far away from the sloop could be seen plainly that tiny chop-sea which is caused by the breaking of a school of mackerel.
The Rival Campers|Ruel Perley Smith
One old tree, split by a winter storm, I decided to chop down entirely.
The Idyl of Twin Fires|Walter Prichard Eaton
M. Noel, in a dress-coat, very dark skinned and with mutton-chop whiskers, came forward to meet us.
The Nabob|Alphonse Daudet